Saturday, October 4, 2008

Hindu-Muslim Cremation Arouses Anger

Those who have a gain to be had in a situation will jump the gun and make news to galvanize clout in the community. It is not just the Muslims, the Christians, Hindus, Jews and other faiths also have individuals who would use religion to their end. It is human to err and it is religious thing not to err.

Our communities need to be prepared for scenarios like this. A whole range of things can happen upon certain occurrences and can cause severe conflicts.

The kid is gone and the decisions about the last rites were made by others, it may be contrary to what the deceased want, or just exactly what he wanted or it did not matter to him. But it has become a matter to a few on either side of the issue.

It is critical to have a will, especially when there is a potential conflict. Ultimately it is the will that has to be honored. The kid is gone, the mother wants her way and a few others want theirs. I hope we all can pitch in our opinions and develop consensus for the sake smooth transitions.

The wisdom would require us to withhold judgment or public displays, as it would aggravate the situation. We need to find solutions that would include acceptability of it by the others.

Added: October 5, 2008

Several takes on the issue, each one has presented a valid idea.

Situations like this are bound to happen. Dallas alone has at least 50 couples that I know of who are married across the religions with various combinations. You got to admire them for their ability to accept each other's God given uniqueness, however, what happens to their bodies after their death or to their children remains open.

We can work on a broader issue to include a variety of contingencies like this. American Culture has the ability to cushion a variety of complexities; this one will become a conflictless issue over the next two generations.

The broader question is should the community be involved in private matters? After all Islam is about individual's responsibility. No one but you is responsible for your actions at the Day of Judgment. Should we be involved in conflicts like this? Involvement certainly does produce ill-will, is it worth it? What good will it do?

If we consciously develop a habit of writing a Will to cover every aspect of our life in case of terminal illness, death or accident, would some one still mess around? The courts will defend the written Will, but would the community defy it?

I invite one of our members to produce a document with every one's input and we can share it with the public at large- as guidance and not rule. A majority of Muslims, Hindus or Christians will be in favor of it, we need to prevent the right wingers to dig in their heels and develop a consensus.

My Comments in the comment section are responses to some of the comments

Friends and family remember Shafayet Reja as an affectionate young man who stayed up late to write poetry, danced exuberantly at weddings and explored the faiths of his father and mother with an openheartedness that led him to declare on his Facebook page, “I never get tired of learning the new things that life has to offer.”

But within hours of his death on Sept. 10 after a car accident, his memory — in fact, his very body — had become the object of a tug-of-war over religious freedom and obligation. It began when his mother, who was raised Hindu, and his father, who is Muslim, decided to have his body cremated in the Hindu tradition, rather than burying him in a shroud, as Islam prescribes.His parents, Mina and Farhad Reja, say a small group of Muslims who do not understand their approach to religion are trying to intimidate them over the most private of family choices. “This is America,” Mrs. Reja said. “This is a family decision.”

The couple say that people accosted them at their son’s funeral, that an angry crowd threatened to boycott a shopping center they own in Jackson Heights, Queens, and that on Sept. 13, two men they know threatened to bomb and burn down the building.

The men they accused in a complaint filed with the police — one is a doctor and the father of a close friend of Shafayet Reja, the other a Bangladeshi business leader — say that they made no threats and deny that they have called for a boycott. They say they and others simply expressed their concern about what they see as a deep violation of their religion and of the wishes of the son, who, according to some of his college friends, had recently chosen Islam as his sole religion.The Police Department’s hate crimes unit is investigating whether the threats took place, whether they would constitute aggravated harassment, and whether they qualify as bias crimes, which carry tougher penalties, a spokesman for the department said. No charges have been filed.What is not in doubt is that the episode is a source of consternation, from the Queens neighborhoods where Mr. Reja’s parents live and work to their native Bangladesh, one of the world’s most populous Muslim countries, where it has been national news.

The dispute has especially swept up several bustling blocks in Jackson Heights, where dozens of businesses are Bengali. It had business owners on edge during the busy shopping season before this week’s Id al-Fitr festival. The festival marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and brings throngs of shoppers to dine and to buy jewelry and sparkling traditional dresses.The neighborhood is a place where business rivalries and family arguments often intersect with disputes over Bangladesh politics, especially in the case of Mrs. Reja, a prominent property owner and outspoken advocate of the rights of Bangladesh’s religious minorities. Her 1999 self-published book, “God on Trial,” angered some Muslims in the neighborhood with its critique of Islamic fundamentalism.

The cremation dispute goes to the heart of a debate among Muslims in America about what makes someone a Muslim — to some of the critics, the fact that Shafayet Reja listed Islam as his religion on Facebook is enough — and how to reconcile this country’s freedom of religion with what some Muslims see as a communal obligation to uphold religious observance.

But to the family, the dispute is a frightening imposition that they say violates their civil rights.“We have freedom of religion, and we have the Constitution,” said the Rejas’ son Mishal, 19, who studies at Washington University in St. Louis. “Why would they bother us? It’s none of their business. Even if he was the most hard-core Muslim.”

To some Muslims, the fact that Shafayet Reja prayed and attended mosques trumps his family’s wishes.

“It was the community’s business because the community knew he was a Muslim,” said Junnun Choudhury, secretary of the Jamaica Muslim Center, one of several mosques around the city whose worshipers came to the funeral to plead with the family. “It is our job to bury him in the Muslim way.”

Neither he nor any other mosque leader has been accused of making threats, and there have been no further protests.

Abu Zafar Mahmood, an adviser to the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, said he was disturbed by the cremation but was urging people not to confront Mrs. Reja. “It would be harmful,” he said. “We have a multicultural community.”

Mrs. Reja said she brought up her children by attending both Hindu temples and Muslim mosques. “Humanism is what I taught my children,” she said. “I want to see my son as a perfect human being, and not as a perfect religious person.”

Whether or not her son was beginning to move closer to Islam is another thread in the tangle of hurt feelings and disagreements.

Shafayet Reja, 22, graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 2007. He was living with his parents in Richmond Hill, studying to be a licensed insurance broker.He was also spending a lot of time at the Long Island home of Dr. Khondeker Masud Rahman — who was eventually accused of threatening his parents — and Dr. Rahman’s daughter, Farah, a friend from Stony Brook.

Farah Rahman said that he had begun praying more often and talking to Dr. Rahman about Islam, and that he had quarreled with his mother, saying she blamed the religion unfairly for the mistakes of some of its followers. He had even, she said in an interview, mentioned that he wanted a Muslim burial. His family members and childhood friends say he would have wanted his mother to choose.

On Sept. 2, Shafayet Reja broke the daily Ramadan fast with friends at Stony Brook’s Muslim Students Association. Afterward, Farah Rahman was in the car behind his when he lost control on a wet road. He was hospitalized, and died on Sept. 10 without regaining consciousness.When word spread that the family would hold both Muslim and Hindu rites for their son and then have him cremated, the Rahmans and others were upset. Father and daughter both asked the family to give him a Muslim burial. They said the conversations were polite; the Rejas said they were hostile.

Several dozen people, including the imams of the Jamaica Muslim Center and other mosques, came to the funeral home in Richmond Hill on Sept. 12, to attend the Muslim rite and express objections to the cremation. The Rejas say people crowded around them to press their case as they wept beside their son’s body. “I was having my last moment with my son,” Mrs. Reja said. “What gave them the guts to do that?”

The funeral staff called the police in part because the Rejas feared the crowd would try to block the hearse going to the crematorium. Mishal Reja stood in the door of the funeral home, asked the group to leave the family in peace, and promised he would try to get the cremation canceled — just to get them to leave, he said. The crowd dispersed peacefully.

Later that day, Dr. Rahman, an anesthesiologist at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Jackson Heights, spoke to a group of people breaking the daily Ramadan fast at a restaurant across the street from the family’s Bangladesh Plaza mall.

According to the Rejas, and a report in a local Bengali-language newspaper, he called for a boycott of the mall and for shop owners there to stop paying rent, though he denied that in an interview.

Afterward, some of the people from the restaurant gathered outside the mall, waving their sandals in an insulting gesture and threatening to boycott the mall, according to two men who run shops there, who did not want to be quoted by name for fear of damaging business relationships. One said that at least one person in the crowd threatened to burn the building.In the crowd, according to the merchants, was the secretary of the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association, Zakaria Masud. Mr. Masud, too, denied calling for a boycott, but said that protesting the cremation was “a social obligation and a religious obligation.”

The next day, Mina Reja held a press conference at the mall, at which she denounced the critics and asked for privacy.

Afterward, according to complaints the Rejas made to the police, Dr. Rahman told Mishal Reja, “We will bomb your building,” and Giash Ahmed, a real estate broker and former Republican candidate for state senator, told Farhad Reja it would be burned.

Dr. Rahman and Mr. Ahmed said in interviews that they never threatened anyone and were not even at the mall that day. Mr. Ahmed said Mrs. Reja’s decision was her business.Dr. Rahman said expressions of anger at Mrs. Reja should wait: “She should have a time of healing.” He accused her of orchestrating the scandal and fabricating the threat.Meanwhile, under the neon signs and rainbow lights of Bangladesh Plaza, shopkeepers worry that a boycott even by part of the community will hurt their holiday business.“Why should they involve people who are not involved? How will we survive?” one of the shop owners said. Another said of the cremation: “It’s a family matter. The parents, they decide.”Toby Lyles contributed research.

26 comments:

As the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the one who conveyed to us the laws of our Lord, he taught us what Allaah has prescribed concerning the dead, what we are permitted to do in their case and what we are not permitted to do. Hence the teachings of Islam are different from the teachings of other nations; they include treating the deceased with respect and in a manner that will benefit him. Allaah has prescribed for us that when a Muslim dies, we should wash him and cleanse him, then shroud him in a white cloth, then we should offer the funeral prayer for him and pray for mercy and forgiveness for him. Then after that we must bury him and cover him with earth, then we should visit the graves and pray for their Muslim occupants. It is not prescribed in Islam to burn or cremate the dead, rather this is an act of disrespect and dishonour. Islam forbids us to step, walk or sit on the grave of the deceased, so how could we burn him? Even non-Muslims are to be buried according to Islam, and this is what the Muslims do in the case of kuffaar who die in their countries, but the kuffaar are not buried with the Muslims in the same place. Some of the kuffaar may burn their dead because they do not believe in the Last Day. For this reason it is not permitted to burn the dead; rather it is obligatory to bury the dead. And Allaah knows best.

As it applied to many Maulanas for issuing wrong Fatwas you are also advised not to mislead people on Islam. It is greatest sin to mislead people.Please have authenticated write up please.Please donot come to your own judgements.

You made a good point about how a Muslim body must be washed and buried. Good notes!

Please beware that all humans, with no exceptions treat their dead with respect, each way is different, but not inferior or superior.

Indeed, Allah knows best, what you and I believe as Muslims is our belief, what others believe is their belief and we cannot condemn others belief - please review Sura Kafirun :http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.html

One solution to this unfortunate situation can be to go the middle way. The body is washed the Muslim way, burn it the Hindu way and bury the remains ( ashes) back the Muslim way. The spirit ( Ruh ) could not careless either way.

In no religeon dead are burnt except in Hindus. This is not religeon but ancient old culture or tradition based on mythology.Even Indian muslims; Christians are called Hindus because they are converts but do they burn dead person's body?? Since we stay in a civilsed society why not to bury body like any other religeon?? Why was he burnt??

As a Muslim I advise you to email all after proper reading of Quran & Hadees.If people misinterpret you or advise wrongly , it is greatest sin.

After reading the whole story a few things come to mind. I will list them down breifly.

First, it reminds me of the saying of Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that, "a Muslim should not go to bed even if he/she has just one dollar (one dirham), without making a will". If this 22 Yr old (adult) person had made a will about his last rites and given a copy to his closest friends and the family the whole mess would never have been created. How true are the words of Holy Prophet and how easily we ignore them. Second, his parents are not Muslims, father who was born in Muslim Family has chosen not to be part of the religon any more. Our duty as a Muslim is to invite him and the family to the perfect and practical teachings of Islam rather than threatening them. Third, we need to undersatand that Islamic laws do not have jurisdiction here in US to be publicly enforced. We as Msulims should engage in conveying the truth of Islam to general public rather than trying to enforce the rules (this is a very common confusion among the Muslims and Muslim Leaders in Muslim minority countries). Fourth, we need to understand that unlike Islam, no other religion or system (secular or otherwise) is broadminded enough to allow its religious minorities (not just Muslims) to allow practicing their faith and conducting their affairs according to their religious dictates. We Msulims should not confuse the boradmindedness of Islam and should not think that we will get the same in return (even half a metre cloth - head scarf, is a problem in the "liberated" societies). We need to enlighten our fellow citizens about what Islam really is. Threatening and hostile behaviour will only repulse people from Islam and give some more ammunition to its enemies. Fifth, in this perticular situation, the obligation of community (Muslim Community) ends once they have conveyed their feelings to the family and offered them to conduct the funeral in Islamic way. In the absence of 'will' from the deceased, they do not have any other options. Sixth, this is specially a lesson for all young Muslims who get attracted to non-Muslims and take advantage of Islamic rules to get merried to non-Muslims and (hpefully not) may end up in this situation. Our religious leaders should emphasize this fact in their sermons, instead of fighting amongh themselves.Thanks,Dr. Warsi

This story first appeared in Weekly Thikana and some other Bangla language papers. I was dismayed to read it. I was angry that even the death of a young man could be used by bigots, and that a grieving family could be threatened.

The perpetrators should be charged on hate crime charges. The grieving family, on the other hand, should be honored for their interfaith beliefs and practices. They are indeed examples of religious harmony in New York.

Thikana, a paper where I write columns off and on, also interviewed some Hindu, Muslim and Christian priests on this issue. I was pleasantly suprised to see that of the people they interviewed (notwithstanding there are indeed open-minded Muslim and Christian religious leaders too), only the Hindu priest said that the whole affair should be left with the family: he said it's completely up to them to decide what to do for the last rites.

I hope the Times story wakes up our Desi community in the U.S. about fanaticism of any kind -- Hindu, Muslim or Christian.

Mike, thanks. But a 21-year-old would not think of writing a will. Andwhile the mother wants her way, I'd think she has that right (as hasher father) and if the two of them agree to a legal form of dealingwith it, the rest do not have any business, nor a say in the matter.For the record, I would have said the same, if the father wanted aburial, and the mother agreed, and a bunch of Hindus protested outsidethe mall, threatening to burn it down. The space between the personaland the public must be maintained; and it is for those who claim tohave a say in that family matter, who need to learn a thing or twoabout respecting individual rights, not the other way round.

This is not to discredit any religion - I think there are enoughmoderates and extremists on either side - but I wonder if the Hindupriest's response would have been the same if the poor man were beingburied and not cremated!

A priest, an Imam or a clergy stands on the fence and will take sides if it secures their job and their influence. In the given situation, if he listens to a few extremists (same with all groups) Hindus with anti-Muslim or Christian bias, he will capitalize on it and would make an outrageous statement so the sycophants can hail him" as the man who stood up against......"

Dealing with people of all religions (equally) I have found that the religious leadership is not truly a leadership, instead they are driven by others agenda and rarely you find a gem who will speak for the truth! Yes, the very guardians of religions are not honest with themselves as they have to play the politics to keep their job or position and continuously make compromises.

Situations like this are bound to happen. Dallas alone has at least 50 couples that I know of who are married across the religions with various combinations. You got to admire them for their ability to accept each other's God given uniqueness, however, what happens to their bodies after their death or to their children remains open.

We can work on a broader issue to include a variety of contingencies like this. American Culture has the ability to cushion a variety of complexities; this one will become a conflictless issue over the next two generations.

The broader question is should the community be involved in private matters? After all Islam is about individual's responsibility. No one but you is responsible for your actions at the Day of Judgment. Should we be involved in conflicts like this? Involvement certainly does produce ill-will, is it worth it? What good will it do?

If we consciously develop a habit of writing a Will to cover every aspect of our life in case of terminal illness, death or accident, would some one still mess around? The courts will defend the written Will, but would the community defy it?

I invite one of our members to produce a document with every one's input and we can share it with the public at large- as guidance and not rule. A majority of Muslims, Hindus or Christians will be in favor of it, we need to prevent the right wingers to dig in their heels and develop a consensus.

To our Hindu and other readers of the information – Kuffar is not a derogatory term as it has been implied, it simply means some one who does not believe what you believe. Please refer to the language of the Sura Kafirun. http://quraan-today.blogspot.com/2008/07/sura-kafirun-un-believers.html

Dear Mr. Khan, Hindus are not specifically mentioned in Qur’aan. Further more, a century down the road, Indian Muslims may accept Hindu’s as Ahl-e-Kitaab as their guidance comes from the Books. Mohammad Bin Qasim apparently had acknowledged that in the 10th century.

Dr. Pathan, civility is not determined by cremating or burying the body.

As Muslims we believe in what we believe, as others believe in what they believe. What works for us is not the same as what works for others. Cremation is as respectful to Hindus as burial is to us. Let’s not think for them, they have their own system to back them up. We have to give room for others to practice their faiths, there is no compulsion in faith. If the Prophet believed that all other faiths are wrong and sinful, God would have commanded him force every one to become a Muslims. There is no such command, instead opposite is the case.

If we consciously develop a habit of writing a Will to cover every aspect of our life in case of terminal illness, death or accident, would some one still mess around? The courts will defend the written Will, but would the community defy it?

The following Quranic guide lines can be applied:

[2:180] It is decreed that when death approaches, you shall write a will for the benefit of the parents and relatives, equitably. This is a duty upon the righteous.

[2:181] If anyone alters a will he had heard, the sin of altering befalls those responsible for such altering. GOD is Hearer, Knower. [2:182] If one sees gross injustice or bias on the part of a testator, and takes corrective action to restore justice to the will, he commits no sin. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Perhaps Muslims should know that cremation (burning) and also donating our bodies to medical schools for research purposes are both quite common practices among Christians and both are rapidly growing practices, particularly cremation. I doubt seriously that a will would solve the problem for Mulsims - an attorney should be consulted as to how to handle this. Blessings, Marylou

Quote from Satis “Allaah has prescribed for us that when a Muslim dies, we should wash ….” . If this is God's prescription and obligation, then I do not find it in Quran! Please enlighten me by giving me a reference in it.

Even in the case of writing a Will the Muslim Church has its finger in the pie, viz one can only Will one third of the assets, where as 4-11 and twice in 4-12 gives me the right to bequeath my assets the way I wish, but with Justice and Fairness. After the debts and bequeath is acted upon, the left over to be divided according to the proportions given in this Book. This by my logic is a State function, if in a Muslim State, otherwise obey the State as at, 4-59 etc.

I ask—Is there any Faith (not Religion) Hinduism too, that does not believe in the Only Universal Creator- hence in the oneness of creation including men-kind (including women-kind too)?

But all ‘Religions’ do! And that baggage of dogma we carry every where we go and make own laws to establish separateness!

Mike—well said “A priest, an Imam or a clergy stands on the fence and will take sides if it secures their job and their influence”, and the Book says, that is because Religion is a ‘business’, and that they have a habit of transgressing the given Code in spite of its repeated admonition of—‘O people of the Book commit no excesses in your Code, nor say of God aught but the Truth' 4-171, 5-80 etc.

Hope the "thinking people" of the diaspora might find the separation between the code of Harmony and rigid dogma of Religion of some use.

Thanks for publishing my comments. While I was reading through it, the responses from others as well as your comments; two things stood out. But before I comment on that let me say something more.

This whole fuss is generated out of our skewed thinking, and what is that skewed thinking. As a devout religious person of any religion we think that what we do with the dead body affects the deceased. If he had Slat ul Janaza he will go to heaven if not, he will go to hell or in case of Hindu religion if he is purified by fire by being cremated he is going to surgg (paradise) or if a priest is there to pray he will have the salvation.

Here is the Islamic concept:

This Hadeeths comes in Sahih Muslim and is narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra)Once a person dies, all his activities and accumulation of good or bad deeds stop except for three;

A perpetual charity that is still on going and he still reaps the benefit, Beneficial Knowledge that he spread out and people get benefit out of it, and Pious children who pray for their parents (who died)No where it is mentioned that his destiny will depend on what people do with his body after he is dead and helpless. And this is but logical; why someone should be punished or rewarded for the things that he is not capable of doing.

There are many instances in which people die and their bodies are not even recovered, they are drowned and possibly eaten up by sea animals. All these things do not have any effect on what treatment he is getting in the hereafter. Allah does not do any injustices, Allah will not hold anyone accountable for something that he/she is not capable of doing.

This whole fuss comes into existence because we miss this fundamental understanding. His hindu parents think only cremating will be able to purify him and the Muslim zealots think that their prayer and burial will take him to paradise. Non of them are correct.

Now I have a little clarification on your comments, you wrote and I quote,

Moderator: Dear Mr. Khan, Hindus are not specifically mentioned in Qur’aan. Further more, a century down the road, Indian Muslims may accept Hindu’s as Ahl-e-Kitaab as their guidance comes from the Books. Mohammad Bin Qasim apparently had acknowledged that in the 10th century

I will beg to differ form you on this point. Ahl-e-Kitaab do literally mean people who the books were given. But in our religion Islam, it is not taken literally but have been converted into an Islamic term to specifically mean Jews and Christians. Even though Quran mentions books of David and Abraham (pbu them) but does not talk about their nations as Ahl-e-kitaab. Idol worshipers (hindus) were there in Makkah at the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) he did not mention them as Ahl-e-kitaab, their slaughter was not halal for Muslims. Quran also mentions that there is no nation in the world that Allah did not send a Prophet/Messenger to them. Not all the nations are addressed as Ahl-e-Kitaab. We do not have any authority to change any definition that is there given in Quran or Hadeeths. If we do so we will be trying to redefine religion without authority, since the authority only rest with Allah or if Allah delegates that authority to his Prophets.

I also have a different opinion from what you said here; and I quote,

MODERATOR: Dr. Pathan, civility is not determined by cremating or burying the body. As Muslims we believe in what we believe, as others believe in what they believe. What works for us is not the same as what works for others. Cremation is as respectful to Hindus as burial is to us. Let’s not think for them, they have their own system to back them up. We have to give room for others to practice their faiths, there is no compulsion in faith. If the Prophet believed that all other faiths are wrong and sinful, God would have commanded him force every one to become a Muslims. There is no such command, instead opposite is the case

I agree with your first part of the opinion that respect in every culture and religion is showed differently and non of the civilized society would like to deliberately disrespect their dead.

Where I differ is that Prophet did definitely believe that all the other faith is wrong and sinful. It is mentioned in Quran that "religion (deen) in the eyes of Allah is only Islam"

This is not peculiar to Islamic religion. Every other religion thinks that it is the only right path. If not then their is no reason for their own existence. If some other religion is also right then why not they merge together. We know that is not the case.

You are right in saying that God did not command him to convert everyone by force into Islam (other religions have done so to Muslims - remember Spain and Shuddhi movement of India).

However this choice of becoming a Muslim or not given by Allah and His Prophet is not because in Islamic concept all religions are the same. But it is the respect of individual choice that Islam gives to everyone. However it clearly warns that not accepting Islam will be disastrous in the Hereafter.

So we do respect everyone's choices that they make for themselves, since our religion teaches us to do so. But I will not say that this respect is because I think that they are all right. In every day life we also see that we a lot of the time do not agree with what the choices our friends make (marriage, choice of creer etc) and if they ask us, we will advise differently, but we don't force them. But that also does not mean that we agree with them either.

The underlying belief is that you make the choices you face the consequences. I can only tell someone what is right and what is wrong. That was the job given to all the Prophets.

Islamic scholars are the ones whose opinions are considered authentic in the matter of interpretation of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. As far as I know, the consensus of Islamic scholars so far is that Jews and Christians are the only ones who are Ahlul-Kitaab, NOT the followers of any other present religion. What will happen after a century will be a matter of the future. However, to my knowledge, Islamic scholars have never given such an opinion as that of yours. If you are an authentic Islamic scholar, I won't argue with you, because I'm not.

Nevertheless, let's push the Islamic "requirement" of writing a Will by every Muslim as early as he/she can.

I appreciate the sincerity of the 'Moderator' who possibly wants to please everybody.I am not sure whether in real terms it is at all possible.But in no circumstances we should allow others to spread hatred.I was wondering the way the moderator was informing with admiring tonethe existance 50 couples in Dallas married across the religion !!We should have a clear idea about that inter-faith marriage.It is very clearly spelled out.A Muslim woman can not marry a Non Muslim man.A Muslim man can marry only Good woman of 'Ahle Kitab'.And we know. Christians and Jews are considered to be 'Ahle Kitab'.No other 'Inter-faith marriage' is acceptable.I don't know about those 50 couples, but if they are within this prescribed formula, then it is highly appreciable.If not, then we should not 'admire them'.If people stay in the right path, then the there would have been no controversyabout the funeral.If people keep the things unresolved (in the name of inter-faith marriage)then the controversy about the dead body disposal would be a natural outcome.Yet, we have to deal the situation very delicately.

appreciate the sincerity of the 'Moderator' who possibly wants to please everybody.I am not sure whether in real terms it is at all possible.But in no circumstances we should allow others to spread hatred.I was wondering the way the moderator was informing with admiring tonethe existance 50 couples in Dallas married across the religion !!We should have a clear idea about that inter-faith marriage.It is very clearly spelled out.A Muslim woman can not marry a Non Muslim man.A Muslim man can marry only Good woman of 'Ahle Kitab'.And we know. Christians and Jews are considered to be 'Ahle Kitab'.No other 'Inter-faith marriage' is acceptable.I don't know about those 50 couples, but if they are within this prescribed formula, then it is highly appreciable.If not, then we should not 'admire them'.If people stay in the right path, then the there would have been no controversyabout the funeral.If people keep the things unresolved (in the name of inter-faith marriage)then the controversy about the dead body disposal would be a natural outcome.Yet, we have to deal the situation very delicately.

Dr. Shafiq Pathan wrote the following "As a Muslim I advise you to email all after proper reading of Quran & Hadees.If people misinterpret you or advise wrongly , it is greatest sin." I would like to know, why is it when people don't agree with what you write, the first thing they do is assume you have never read the Qu'ran or Hadith? I don't think there is anything that either myself or Mr. Ghouse has written that would be deemed sinful regarding this matter. Now, if you should believe otherwise, please feel free and at least tell me what was so sinful as to what I have written. Moreover, I don't believe my knowledge base in Islam is any less that many of the people who respond. And even if it were, that should not be a reason to censor my right to respond to the emails Mr. Ghouse sends.

To Mohammed Irtaza:You are a blessing to our group, always share the verses from Qur’aan and it is nice.…..To K KhanModerator: Dear Khan (Ms. or Mr.?) You are right about scholars’ agreement on who is Ahlul-Kitaab, the people of the book. How many of those scholars were truly exposed to traditions other than Judaism and Christianity? It is a taboo to question the scholars, but the tradition of inquiry and scholarship requires us to question their judgment, not to make them wrong, but to see it from a different light. As Muslims and humans we have the God given freedom, remember the Prophet had left an opening there “if you have to go to China to learn something new, go there”. Prophet’s authentic sayings reflect consideration for Jews, Christians and others, he lived in a pluralistic society and practiced pluralism by initiating and signing the Madinah pact where as other faiths were free to practice their faith. However some of the scholars were insensitive to knowledge about other faiths, as they did not have any reference point. Scholars from 8th thru 11th century had no idea about Hinduism or other faiths, and their opinions were based in incomplete information. Now, the scholars living in US, UK, INDIA and other nations are exposed to other faiths, they have gone to “China” and learned the essence of other faiths and they are sensitive, we may have to re-examine some of the old renderings as they do not fit in with either the era of the prophet or our era today.

To Zeba SalimModerator: Zeba, agree with your response. If we disagree, we need to explain where the disagreement is. Dr. Pathan will have to respond to this.

To Dr. Abu SayeedModerator: No sir, the idea is not to please any one or all, but simply respect different opinions and practice discussion that our Prophet would have loved; all opinions are valid to the sayer of them. A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim is to be discussed, it is not conclusive. I know of no one who would want to marry a bad woman or a woman wanting to marry a bad guy. We should admire the interfaith couples for their capacity to accept the otherness of other – Sura Kafirun again. Great statement at the end of your comments.

To Marylou GhystModerator: A will will reduce the conflicts to a greater extent, knowing the wishes of the departing soul have to be honored. Those who want to create chaos will always do it no matter what, but those who are innocent and confused, usually most, the will gives them peace of mind.

To Rashid SamnakayModerator – Rashid thanks for sharing a universal perspective. However, I would like to modify the phrase “rigid dogma of religion”…. The dogma is not in the religion, the self appointed guardians make it rigid for a variety of reasons, and chief among them is controlling others. Religion is the most beautiful things endowed to humans; all the beautiful ways of acknowledging the Creator. Islam is beautiful to us the believers, as other faiths are dear to the believers in their faith. Sura Kafirun is the highest example of it.

To Dr. WarsiModerator: Dr. Warsi, I agree with most of your statements and I appreciate sharing them. However there are a few I beg to differ and with respect. . “If some other religion is also right then why not they merge together. We know that is not the case” I will take you back to Qur’aan, we have created nations and communities so that you know each other, the best among you is the best in conduct. (Sura Hujurat – 49:17). Then “Every other religion thinks that it is the only right path”. Yes, it is the right path “for them” as Islam is the right path for you and me, and for me other paths don’t have to be wrong for mine to be right. If go beyond the box on the term “Islam” submission to the will of the God, then all faith preach the same, submitting to the will of the Creator – When Jesus says follow me, Krishna says surrender to me and Allah says Submit to my will (hold it my friends, I am not equating these three – the first tow believes in God and looks iconic ally – Muslims don’t). – the essence of all of them is similar – “become like me, merciful and kind to the creation; follow me in forgiving and accepting even a leper; surrender to me, have faith in me that I do things for good.

To Dr. Abu SayeedModerator: No sir, the idea is not to please any one or all, but simply respect different opinions and practice discussion that our Prophet would have loved; all opinions are valid to the sayer of them. A Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim is to be discussed, it is not conclusive. I know of no one who would want to marry a bad woman or a woman wanting to marry a bad guy. We should admire the interfaith couples for their capacity to accept the otherness of other – Sura Kafirun again. Great statement at the end of your comments.

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.

CIVIL DIALOGUE

The people in Dallas are making an effort to understand and clean their own hearts first, when we are free from bias, it would be easy to share that with others. Islam teaches us in so many ways to "respect the otherness of others" and it is time we find simple practical ways of doing it.

SACRED - THE FILM

ABOUT US

The role of Muslims is to contribute towards the well being of humanity, and to be the conflict mitigaters and goodwill nurturers. Our goal is a secure world for every human. Please read the mission statement.

This group is about Muslims and their civic responsibilities in creating a dignified religious, social and civic space for themselves in the community of faiths. We do not distinguish between a Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, WD Muhammad, Ismaili, Bohra or the subsets of each group, all believe in God, the Prophet and the accountability of their actions and whoever calls himself or herself a Muslim is a Muslim to us. Currently we are blessed to have our Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Bahai, Sikh and Buddhist friends among us to learn and share their perspective. This is our world and our God collectively.

MEMBERSHIP SINCE 2003

World Muslim Congress is a think tank, all are welcome to participate in the discussions, our scope is limited and defined in our mission statement. Currently, we have 1800 Members world wide with no membership fee.

To join the group, send an email to: WorldMuslimCongress-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com

WHAT WILL MUSLIMS DO WHILE QURAN IS BURNT

It is a purposeful positive event for Americans of different faiths, races, ethnicities and other uniqueness to come together to rededicate ourselves to our pledge; One nation under God with liberty and Justice for all. We will pray for peace, prosperity and security of our nation.

Last year the event focused on the positive response of Sikh community to the Wisconsin Shooting and this year, we will focus on the positive prayerful response of Muslim community to the planned Qur'an Burning by Pastor Terry Jones in Mulberry, Florida.

Click on pictures to see larger version of the photo

RSVP- ConfirmAttendance@gmail.comContact information - at the bottomPROGRAM DETAILSPictures indicate for visualization of the program as was done in Dallas, Texas We honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution, and have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to prevail for the common good of the world. We hope, our mercy based message will remind those few Muslims elsewhere in the world that violence is not the way. We believe it may bring a change in the attitudes of followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety.

Please join us for a life changing event, you will fall in love with the idea that all of us Americans will come together as Americans and nothing but Americans. While we have our identity, we look to each other as American and rededicate ourselves to our pledge; one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

You will be a part of history in creating a model behavior in dealing with conflicts and building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.The 10th Annual event is moved to Mulberry, Florida - for a singular purpose - to mitigate possible apprehensions generated by the planned burning of 2998 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013. We hope the event restores our faith in the cohesiveness of America, and we the people will go on about our business of living our daily lives.The full press release: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2013/08/planned-muslim-response-to-quran_18.html

WE WILL GATHER;

to be together as Americans

to express our gratitude to our men and women in uniform

to honor individuals who have contributed to the well being of Mulberry, Florida

to emphasize and appreciate diversity represented by America.

to cherish the otherness of others.

to commit to be good neighbors

to rededicate our pledge to the peace, prosperity and security of America

Please join us with your family and friends to be together as Americans. Your presence is a valuable expression of unity. Along with our elected officials, civic, religious and business leaders, you help fulfill our common values and aspirations. Your presence fortifies our commitment to a pluralistic America.

As Americans, and as American of all hues, we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all”.

On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race and ethnicity, will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, safety, prosperity and the well being of our nation.

PROGRAM: FLAG CEREMONY

NATIONAL ANTHEM

(Preferably joined in by members of at least 7 faith traditions, if not all)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:

To be led by the Hon. Mayor George Hatch of Mulberry

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Acknowledgement of dignitaries- Suzanne

Thanking key volunteers - Curtis

Thanking the Media- Butch

Appreciating the sponsors - Lynn

PURPOSE

Purpose - a new positive approach to conflict mitigation and rededicating to our pledge – one nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all- Mike

Mayors, Police and Fire chiefs, and Civic Leaders to share 3 minutes each – about their responsibility in treating each citizen with respect and dignity

HONORING THE ACTIVISTS

Those who have stood up for others

SPIRITUAL LEADERS

All-inclusive spiritual leaders will be on stage representing each tradition, and lighting a candle of the next, a symbolic gesture to be the light to others. Every available religious American representation in Polk County will be accommodated. This is not about sermons but about being together as Americans. Please beware, it is about Americans and included in the group will be Atheists, Pagans and other non-religious traditions.

PEACE PLEDGE

I will I will speak up when there is injustice.

I will speak up when truth is not spoken.

I will make my words and my actions mitigate conflicts.

I will do my share in nurturing goodwill for the benefit of all.

I will do my share of peace work, without looking for others

I will do respect the God given uniqueness of each individual.

I will do my best to live and let others live their way.

I will do my best to nurture goodwill in everything I do.

SPECIAL MUSLIM PRAYER

( 3-4 Minutes)Muslim prayers and supplication for the safety and security and unity of our nation. Pray for the well being of all Americans, and seek forgiveness for all of us, and may God guide Reverend Terry Jones to become a be blessed peace maker. Pray for the goodwill of the people of Polk county and Mulberry City, and pray for a cohesive America, where no American needs to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear or fellow Americans.

Please donate to defray the costs. All donors over $100 will be listed on this site. If one or two individuals want to sponsor, we would really welcome it. It will save us time. Donate athttp://americatogetherfoundation.com/donate/ MESSAGES - PRESS RELEASES

We as Muslims plan to respond to pastor Terry Jones' planned burning of 3000 copies of Quran on September 11, 2013 in positive terms.

Our response - we will reclaim the standard of behavior practiced by the Prophet concerning “scurrilous and hostile criticism of the Qur’an” (Muhammad Asad Translation Note 31, verse 41:34). It was "To overcome evil with good is good, and to resist evil by evil is evil." It is also strongly enjoined in the Qur’an in the same verse 41:34, “Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend.”

God willing Muslims will follow the divine guidance and pray for the restoration of Goodwill, and on that day many Muslim organizations will go on a “blood drive” to save lives and serve humanity with kindness.

We invite fellow Americans of all faiths, races, and ethnicities to join us to rededicate the pledge, “One nation under God”, and to build a cohesive America where no American has to live in apprehension, discomfort or fear of fellow Americans. This event is a substitute for our 10th Annual Unity Day Celebration (www.UnitydayUSA.com) held in Dallas, but now it will be at Mulberry, Florida.

Unwittingly Pastor Jones has done us a favor by invigorating us by his decision to burn nearly 3000 copies Quran on September 11, 2013. Obviously he is not satisfied by the notoriety he garnered by burning one Qur'an last year.

As Muslims and citizens we honor the free speech guaranteed in our constitution. We have no intentions to criticize, condemn or oppose Pastor Terry Jones' freedom of expression. Instead, we will be donating blood and praying for goodness to permeate in our society.

We plan to follow Jesus Christ (pbuh), a revered prophet in Islam as well as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – that of mitigating the conflicts and nurturing good will for the common good of the society.

We hope, this event and the message will remind Muslims elsewhere in the world as well, that violence is not the way. Muslims, who react violently to senseless provocation, should realize that, violence causes more violence, and besmirches the name of the religion that we hold so dear. We believe that Prophet Muhammad was a mercy to the mankind, and we ought to practice what we believe and preach. We must not insult Islam by the negative reactions of a few.

We can only hope it will bring about a change in the attitude of the followers of Pastor Jones, and in the behavior of those Muslims who reacted violently the last time Pastor sought notoriety – We hope this small step towards a bridge to peaceful coexistence would propel us towards building a cohesive society.

Like most Americans a majority of Muslims quietly go about their own business, but it is time to speak up and take positive action instead of negative reaction. May this message of peace and goodwill reverberate and reach many shores.

Lastly, we appreciate the Citizens of Mulberry, Florida, Honorable Mayor George Hatch, City Commissioners, police and Fire Chiefs for handing this situation very well. This will add a ‘feather of peace’ in the City’s reputation. We hope Mulberry will be a catalyst in showing the way in handling conflict with dignity and peace.

We thank the Media for giving value to the work towards peace rather than conflict.